HC Deb 07 May 1958 vol 587 cc1220-1
56. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Minister Defence to what extent the missiles to be operated by the Royal Air Force and the other Services will be of British design or manufacture; and what principles he applies in deciding whether British design or manufacture is preferable to allied design or manufacture.

Mr. Sandys

With the exception of Thor and Corporal, the two American missiles, the missiles now planned for Her Majesty's Forces are of British manufacture and predominantly of British design. As regards the future, account will be taken of technical advances and of the desirability of extending co-operation with our Allies.

Mr. de Freitas

Is not it highly desirable that the chief consideration in N.A.T.O. should be that countries should use the best equipment for the job which is produced in the area, having regard, of course, to costs and delivery dates? If that is so, why should we accept the missiles which the right hon. Gentleman has just mentioned, which are widely regarded as obsolete and involve us in heavy expenditure?

Mr. Sandys

I agree broadly with the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, that what we want is the best that is available, taking into account costs and other military factors. I do not understand what better missile is available in the area. I do not know of any better one. It is the first generation of this type of meidum-range missile, and I believe it will be an effective one. We should certainly not have made this arrangement with the United States unless our experts and their experts had come to the conclusion that the missile would be a valuable addition to the Western deterrent.